Ujjayi is often translated as “victorious breath”. It is the breath that accompanies vinyasa practice: deep, through the nose and with a soft sound, like ocean waves or the breath of someone asleep.
Finding the sound
Open your mouth and exhale as if fogging a mirror: “haaa”. Notice how the throat gently narrows. Now do the same with your mouth closed, exhaling through the nose. Then try to keep that slight narrowing on the inhale too. The sound should be soft, audible to you but not to the whole room.
Why we use it in asana
- It gives us a thread of attention: the sound reminds us to be present. If we lose it, we know the mind has wandered.
- It regulates rhythm: it lengthens the breath and keeps it steady, even when a pose is intense.
- It warms the body from within and helps sustain energy through the sequence.
Common mistakes
Narrowing the throat too much, making a lot of noise or clenching the jaw. Ujjayi should feel comfortable. If you run short of air or your throat gets irritated, ease off and return to normal nasal breathing.
Practise it seated for a few minutes first, then bring it into Sun Salutations. Little by little it will become the soundtrack of your practice.
